As the first keeper, am I liable for my puppies and dogs?
Yes, whilst the dog is still in your keepership. As soon as the dog is with a new keeper they become liable. Once you sell the puppy or dog the microchip keeper details must be updated on the database. This should be updated either by yourself or the new keeper - under the Regulations it is the new keeper's responsibility to do this.
You are likely to be held responsible for any dog registered to you on a microchip database if the dog has been found to have strayed, bitten or caused any unjust damage (there are some exceptions in instances where you were not in charge of the dog at the time of the incident). There is also protection from prosecution within the law if a dog injures a burglar or trespasser on their land.
What happens if I don’t comply as a breeder?
If a breeder breaches the legislation, they may face a fine of up to £500.
Does it cost extra to register the microchip on a national database?
All petDetect Trovan microchips that are sold include the cost for initial basic lifetime registration onto the Petlog database. Currently, these registrations can be made by the implanter either online (recommended) or using paper forms that are posted to Petlog. Once this initial registration has taken place, there are no extra fees payable unless you need to update keeper details, or change keepership.
Does it cost money to register a transfer of keepership or update my contact details?
Yes. Petlog currently charge £16 but this includes the cost of updating details or the transfer of keepership and upgrades you to the Petlog Premium service. Once you have upgraded to Petlog Premium, there are no further costs to pay to update keeper details for the lifetime of the dog whilst it is in your care.
I’m a breeder and am worried that either myself, or the owners I sell my puppies to, are going to have to pay double for registrations.
Under the legislation, once a puppy has been microchipped and registered with the breeder as the first keeper, it is actually the responsibility of the new keeper to update their details with the database once the puppy has been sold or rehomed. However, some breeders may choose to undertake this transfer of keepership themselves.
If keepers are buying a puppy that has been registered with the UK Kennel Club, then the transfer of keepership with Petlog, including a free upgrade to Petlog Premium, will be linked to the transfer of ownership on the Kennel Club Pedigree Register. From 6th April 2016 new keepers of Kennel Club registered puppies will only have to pay one fee to arrange for the transfer of keepership with both the Kennel Club Register and Petlog to be completed. Breeders must ensure they provide the new keeper with all the relevant paperwork to allow them to arrange for this to be done, or breeders may arrange for the transfer of keepership to be completed. Once this has been done, the new keeper will have Petlog Premium membership, which, amongst many other benefits, will allow them to update their contact details free of charge for as long as the dog is in their care.
What about breeders who breed puppies that are not registered with the UK Kennel Club?
The breeder must still be able to provide paperwork to the new keeper to allow them to update their details with the database, or breeders can still choose to update the details themselves. There will be a fee to do this, which will include an upgrade to Petlog Premium to allow for any further updates in contact details to be made free of charge.
How can I update my contact details?
Keepers can either do this online, or by phone with Petlog. To update details online keepers will need their confirmation of registration document, as it will contain the microchip number, as well as the information required to log-in to the Petlog website.
Transfers of keepership were traditionally completed by completing and posting a section of the confirmation of registration document. However, from April 2016, Petlog will be allowing these transfers of keepership to be completed securely online.
What information needs to be recorded to the database?
The legislation stipulates the minimum information that must be recorded on the database alongside the unique 15-digit microchip number, this includes:
- Original name or ID number of the dog and if applicable any changes to the original name or ID number.
- Full keeper name and address, as well as contact details such as phone numbers and email if available. If applicable, the fact that the keeper is also the breeder of the dog.
- Breeder license number, and the local authority responsible for issuing that license (if applicable).
- Details of the dog, including date of birth, sex, breed description, colour description, and any distinguishing features.
What do I need to do as an owner before 6th April 2016?
- Ensure that your dog is microchipped! It must have a compliant microchip implanted and registered with the required keeper details to a compliant database.
- If your dog is already microchipped, then please check that the microchip complies with the required standards - some microchips in imported dogs may not be compliant.
- Check that the keeper contact details and your dog’s details are up to date and registered to a compliant database.
- If the keeper's contact details change at any point, or the dog is transferred to a new keeper then keepers MUST update the database.
Remember that, for a database to be compliant, they have to meet the minimum standards set out in the legislation. Most of the major databases in the UK are already compliant but it is best to contact your database to check.
Are petDetect Trovan microchips and Petlog compliant?
Yes. The Trovan microchips sold by petDetect, and the database we use, Petlog, are compliant for the purposes of the compulsory dog microchipping legislation.